Play It Safe for the Summer

July 8, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

Summertime is a season of relaxation for many of us. Warm temperatures and long daylight hours means plenty of opportunities for time spent in the great outdoors with family and friends. Walking on the Monon, grilling out with neighbors or simply catching a tan in your backyard may be activities you look forward to every summer. While the opportunity for outdoor fun increases, so does the opportunity for outdoor liability. If you own a pool, trampoline or even a playground for your kids, now is the time to be extra vigilant. The Dean Ballenger Agency has some tips to help you protect yourself from potential liability claims this summer.

Have a pool?

Rules. Make sure that any friends or family you have over know the rules that you expect to be followed for your pool. These rules may include no running, no diving or no playing chicken. If you have children, make sure they are aware of these rules along with any friends they invite over. It may even be a good idea to make a sign and post it near the pool that lists what these rules are.
Cover yourself! Using a cover on your pool while it is not in use can prevent visitors both wanted and unwanted from falling in. Cover yourself by using a pool cover this summer
Fence it in. Fences can block uninvited or unwanted visitors from taking a swim without your permission. Consider having a self-locking fence to prevent catastrophes from kids wandering around for some fun during summer nights.

Have a trampoline?

Rules. Like with the pool, setting rules for the way the trampoline is used can help diminish the possibility for accidents and injuries. Rules such as no flips, no jumping at night or limiting the number of people allowed to jump at the same time can help create a safer environment.
Limit access. Many trampolines can be purchased with a net to help prevent accidents. A sturdy net can be the barrier between a guest and a broken bone. Additionally, a fence around the backyard will limit access to uninvited guests.
Location, location, location. Step back and look at your trampoline. Is it on a slope? Is there any sharp or dangerous equipment near by? Is it in the line of fire of the sprinkler? If the trampoline rests on a slope, gravity may not be your best friend in terms preventing liability claims. Make sure your trampoline is on a flat surface. Also, ensure that it is not near a fence with sharp peaks or any equipment such as a grill that reaches hot temperatures. In the event of someone falling off the trampoline, these would not be optimal things to land on. And of course, jumping on a wet surface versus a dry surface is easy math. The likelihood of slipping and falling increases greatly. Make sure your sprinkler is watering the grass, not the trampoline.

Have a playground?

Rules. Like with pools and trampolines, it can never hurt to lay down some rules for how and when the playground can be used. Make sure your children are aware of these rules along with any friends they have over.
Limit access. Fences seem to be a trend here, don’t they?
Be a responsible owner. Inspect the playground occasionally to make sure no parts have broken, edges have sharpened or rust has taken over. Making sure that the playground is on flat, firm ground is crucial as well.
Empty nest means empty yard. If your kids are long gone and no grandchildren are making use of the playground, get rid of it. Getting rid of a playground set may not rank high on your to-do list. However, if no one is using it, there is truly no reason to have it. The only purpose it could serve now is opening you up to a liability claim.

From all of us at the Dean Ballenger Agency, have a fun, safe summer! If you have any questions about this blog or blogs past, feel free to call us at 317-867-5433.

Coverage for Motorcycle Lovers

June 6, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

With temperatures hitting the 90’s this week, summer has officially arrived! One way Hoosiers thaw out from the harsh winter includes cruising on their motorcycles in the Indiana sunshine. So whether you are in the market for a motorcycle, or are just dusting it off from last summer’s adventures, contact your insurance agent to make sure the right coverage is in place.

Motorcycle insurance is similar to car insurance in many ways. Motorcycle policies include liability limits, property damage limits and deductibles of your preference, just like auto insurance. In addition to this coverage, some companies also offer “carried contents coverage” and “accessory coverage” for motorcycle policies uniquely. “Carried contents coverage” will cover any personal property that is damaged, destroyed or stolen that is on the motorcycle at the time of a loss. “Accessory coverage” includes any specialty additions made to the motorcycle. This includes sidecars, custom paint or plating and electronic equipment such as media players.

Wondering how motorcycle premiums compare to car premiums? Mostly, it comes right back down the same factors used to generate your car insurance rates. Factors such as your age, marital status, insurance history, driving record all play a role. Also similar to car insurance, the year, make and model as well as the garaging zip code will impact the premium amounts. Be sure to inform your insurance agent how much you drive the motorcycle, as well. The miles you ride (or don’t ride) can also change the rates.

Finally, our number one concern at the Dean Ballenger Insurance Agency is your safety. On top of having the proper insurance coverage, here are some additional tips to stay safe while on your motorcycle:

Wear bright colors – make yourself as visible as possible while on the road. While on a motorcycle, you can be significantly harder to see in comparison to cars on the road. Make sure you stand out by wearing brighter colors and reflective features at night.
Dress for the slide, not the ride – always be sure to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed toed shoes while on your motorcycle. Yes, it can be a little toasty in the warms summer months, but in the event you crash and slide against the pavement, your skin will thank you by staying attached to your body. Get the picture?
Wear a helmet – this should be a no brainer if you want to keep your brains! You may feel cool cruising down the highway with your hair in the wind. But the least cool feeling in the world has got to be feeling your skull hit concrete. Please wear a helmet, seriously.

When You’ve Gone Through Hail

April 1, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

Spring has arrived. Flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising and hail is falling. As beautiful as spring can be, it is also the time of year when 42% of all comprehensive auto claims are filed. This is due in large part to hail. The unpredictable weather that comes with spring results in unpredictable precipitation, such as hail, especially in the Midwest regions. Hail can also wreak havoc on homes, in some states resulting in over 50% of filed claims.

Often times, when hail strikes, storm-chasers are not far behind. Storm-chasers are general contractors and roof repair companies that seek business in areas that have recently experienced hailstorms. While this can be a convenient way to find a contractor, be sure that you are electing the most efficient and reputable company for your needs. Here are a few things to watch out for when interacting with these storm-chasers:

Do your research: Don’t make a hasty decision which may result in poor quality repair just because someone is knocking at your door. Do not feel pressured to choose the first company that comes knocking with an estimate. While you are free to choose the contractor of your choice, the insurance company cannot help you in the event you choose a poor quality company.
Consult your insurance agent: Many times, your insurance agent has a list of wonderful and highly recommended references for all of your repair and construction needs. Ask your agent if they’ve ever heard of the company that is attempting to offer you their services and if they can recommend anyone they personally know to be high quality.
Never let someone file a claim for you: Always file your own claims! Many contractors will offer to file a claim on your behalf even when they know there is not enough damage necessary to file a claim. Case and point – you have $1,200 worth of damage and $1,000 deductible, so your net check would be $200 and a claim on your record. This is not always the best choice for you, the policy holder.

What Progressive Insurance has to say about Independent Agents

March 27, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

About Independent Agent

Independent insurance agents are trained, licensed professionals who chose to dedicate their careers to helping people with their insurance needs.

In fact, many are members of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America — the nation’s oldest and largest association of independent insurance agents and brokers.

Independent Agents Selling Progressive:

Offer knowledgeable advice and guidance for all your insurance needs – whether it’s auto, home, life, business or some other type of insurance.
Customize insurance policies to suit your specific needs.
Prepare competitive quotes from several competing insurance companies – including Progressive – so you can compare prices and coverage options to get the best value.

Independent agents will take care of your insurance needs — whether it’s helping you file a claim, reviewing your coverage, or helping you select new insurance coverage as your needs change.

Independent Agents Are Located Near You:

Independent insurance agents live and work in your community, and understand the things that affect your life and your home, life and auto insurance needs. They value the relationship they build with you and will work to serve your best interests.

There’s a good chance there are several independent agents in your neighborhood. And like most independent insurance agents, they probably choose to sell Progressive Insurance more than any other auto insurance product.

Different Rates for Different States

March 18, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

Surely at some point in your life you have driven out of your home state. Ever wondered if your car insurance follows you the same way it does in your home state? The answer may surprise you.

Each state has what is referred to as state minimums when it comes to auto insurance. These are the minimum liability and property damage limits allowed by the state, and believe it or not, each state is different. This means that your own coverage and the coverage of those around you can change with each state line you cross.

Let’s explain this a little deeper. Let’s say you are driving to Pennsylvania to visit some family next week. On the way to Grandma Sue’s, a distracted driver hits you. Your car is totaled. You’re late to Grandma Sue’s. But luckily, everyone is unharmed. Not luckily, though, this driver has the Pennsylvania state minimum coverage limits. In Indiana, state minimum would mean that driver’s policy would pay $10,000 toward replacing your vehicle. But, in Pennsylvania, this means the driver’s policy will only be paying $5,000 toward replacing your vehicle. Chances are, neither of those numbers are making you very comfortable. This brings us back to the information from the previous post about having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Having this coverage as a part of your auto policy may be even more necessary when traveling out of state.

Now let’s look at the other side of the coin. Let’s say someone from Pennsylvania is driving to Indiana to see Uncle Bob and his cornfield. He is in such a rush to see Uncle Bob that they blow through a red light and hit you, again totaling your vehicle. This time, you’re hurt. Really hurt. And so is your car. His state minimum coverage in Pennsylvania isn’t going to even begin covering your expenses. It will only pay $15,000 per person’s injuries, $30,000 liability for the whole accident and $5,000 for the car itself. But, because they were in Indiana territory, their coverage limits expanded to fit Indiana’s the second they crossed the state line. Now, their policy will pay $25,000 for bodily injury, $50,000 liability for the whole accident and $10,000 for the car itself. While state minimum coverages can expand from state to state, this is by no means adequate coverage for a devastating injury or loss. All this being said, this situation will never work the opposite way. Meaning, your coverage limits will never drop, only expand, when travelling into other states.

If you have any questions concerning this article or any other previous post, please contact us at (317)867-5433 or info@insurewithdean.com.

It’s Not All About You

March 14, 2016 by Dean Leave a Comment

When it comes to thinking about car wrecks, hit and runs and even fender benders, it’s easy to exclude yourself from the equation, convincing yourself you are a great driver and would never be part of something like that. And it’s easy to see how one could see things that way – an owner of a spotless driving record, never had a claim, and maybe you even drive more carefully than Grandma Sue on Sunday mornings. At the end of the day, though, it doesn’t matter. It’s not all about you.

Sure, your coverage is to cushion you in the event of a poorly executed blind spot check, a lead foot at the stop light or even black ice, but it’s also there to protect you from others and the mistakes they may make while driving. As unfortunate as it is to think, you really don’t know if that person driving next to you cares as much as you do. Statistics tell us that over 1 in 10 drivers in Indiana have no auto insurance whatsoever. Next time you are driving down I-465, look around you. Within your line of vision, at least one of your neighboring drivers does not have car insurance. Now, if they happen to be the one who hits you, are you protected from them? This is where uninsured and underinsured protection comes in to save the day…assuming you have it of course.

Let’s put this in perspective. You are driving down I-465. It’s a sunny day, your windows are down and you’re happy as a clam. Suddenly, you notice a car in the other lane starting to swerve and before you know it, the hood of that same car is in your passenger’s seat. The owner of this car, Debbie Dingbat, has successfully totaled your $20,000 baby and likely your soul in the process. Ms. Dingbat informs you she has no insurance. None. Zero. At this point you are thinking one of two things: thank goodness my agent explained uninsured motorist insurance with me – I have that and this will be okay. Or, I’ve never heard of uninsured motorist insurance but I hope maybe that was just included in the cheap rates my online company promised me. Hint: it’s not included. If you find yourself in the second group, you are now officially on the hook for the entirety of the $20,000 you just watched fall apart. Oh, and is your car paid off? Better hope so, because if not the bank will still be expecting payments on your now un-drivable vehicle. Without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company does not pay a dime toward your loss. It’s time to start thinking about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have any questions concerning this article or any other posts, please contact us at (317)867-5433.

Who Insures Improvements in a Leased Building or Office?

June 10, 2014 by Dean Leave a Comment

Before you remodel a leased space, review your coverage.

If you lease an office and make improvements to the space—such as interior remodeling—you need to review your insurance coverage. Generally, if you’ve installed any after-the-fact alterations, it’s up to you, not the property owner or landlord, to insure them. For example, let’s say you’ve leased space for an auto garage and then install a vehicle lift. The lift may not be covered. If you leased space for your beauty salon or florist shop and install new sinks and counters, you should determine whether you need to insure those items too. In the insurance industry, we call these changes improvements and betterments. Essentially, it means that you’re responsible in a leased space for insuring any alterations you have made, such as flooring, light fixtures, wall coverings, wiring, plumbing, cabinets, shelving or anything else that is attached to the ceiling, walls or floors. Because these improvements might be essential to your business operations, it’s important to understand who has responsibility for replacing them if they become damaged. If you do not update your business property insurance to cover these improvements, you could be underinsured and without the means to fully repair or replace the improvements if a covered loss occurs. With an Erie Insurance business policy, the improvements and betterments are included as part of your business personal property. Contact our agency for more information.

Dean Ballenger Agency Inc

Independent Insurance Agent

For questions call (317)-867-5433